Carrying On About the Carry-On

I figured this was a good time to update myself on any new regulations regarding carry-on bags and personal items. Travelers that enjoy the convenience of flying often times are very inconvenienced (think irritated) when they discover that they can’t take onto the airplane the stuff that they thought they could. Perhaps you heard that airlines are now going to start charging a fee for carry-on bags! I did some homework so we won’t be surprised at where this is heading.

We all fussed when the big three, American, Delta, and United Airlines, started charging for a checked bag. Of course, this resulted in more people trying to bring bigger bags on board so they could get out of the $25 first checked bag fee. We already had travelers that are in too big a hurry to wait for their luggage to show up on the carousel. They drag huge roll-a-boards on the plane and cram them in overhead bins. Then we fussed when we were being charged for food. Then we fussed when airlines started charging more for the seats that have a bit more leg room. Well, get ready to fuss again, because starting March 2017, United will start charging for a carry-on bag and  American Airlines has a similar plan in place. I expect Delta to follow.

This is good news and bad news.

The good news is that the big three are announcing a basic-economy fare that can compete with some other lower fares. The bad news is buying the cheapest ticket also means you'll have to do without many of the amenities that we have come to expect  in modern air travel. At the top of that list is carry-on luggage. Basic-economy passengers are allowed to bring a personal item on board as long as it fits underneath the seat. However, any luggage that requires overhead bin space has been banned. The really bad news is that if you get to the gate with something that won’t fit under your basic-economy seat, then you will pay to check it AND a gate checking fee, so that bag now costs $50 to fly. (Ouch, I could buy new pajamas for that!)

Your personal item must be smaller than  carry-on baggage (like a purse, briefcase or laptop bag) and fit under the seat. There is no holding items in your lap, or between your feet, it’s got to go under the seat during take off. Diaper bags (1 per child), child safety seats and medical or mobility devices don’t count as your carry-on or personal item. 

Maybe there will be more on time departures without the battle of the bins waging overhead. Maybe we will see some better airfares in this new “no frills” class of seats for those that just want to get there, and don’t care about seat choice or a carry-on. Maybe.

If you are in business class or first class, just forget all this information. Your ticket pays for your overhead bin space. Maybe you can rent it out.